A tragic death has rocked a small Florida community.
And it’s exactly what one rock legend has been warning about for years.
And Ted Nugent turned red with rage after Florida’s deadly bear attack confirmed his worst fears.
Nugent warns Florida bears becoming “dangerously overpopulated”
Rock icon and passionate outdoorsman Ted Nugent didn’t mince words when discussing Florida’s growing bear problem during an appearance on Florida’s Voice Radio.
His comments proved eerily prophetic when, just days later, 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog were killed in a suspected bear attack in Collier County, Florida.
“The Florida black bear is embarrassingly, irresponsibly, and now dangerously overpopulated,” Nugent had warned, calling the animals “apex predators” rather than the cuddly creatures often portrayed in the media.
The deadly attack occurred near the intersection of State Road 29 and U.S. 41, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Following the attack, wildlife officials killed three bears in the area and collected DNA samples to determine if one was responsible for Markel’s death.
Nugent blasts wildlife management failures
Nugent, who has long combined his musical career with advocacy for responsible hunting and conservation, laid the blame squarely on misguided policies that prevent proper wildlife management.
“Wherever you have wildlife thriving, it’s because you have managed hunting seasons,” Nugent explained, pointing out that hunting is a critical tool for maintaining ecological balance.
The Motor City Madman cited similar situations in states like California and Colorado, where restrictions on hunting methods have hampered effective predator control.
“People are dying from cougar attacks in California and Colorado because you’re not allowed to hunt with hounds or bait,” he said. “So the USDA comes in with our tax dollars and does it anyway. It’s insane.”
Nugent’s comments highlight the growing divide between conservation experts who advocate for responsible hunting and environmental activists who push for strict protections regardless of population growth.
Bears increasingly moving into populated areas
The rock star noted that predators like bears are highly adaptive and are increasingly expanding into urban areas, creating dangerous situations for residents.
“I think there’s more raccoons in downtown Miami than in Arkansas,” Nugent joked, illustrating how wildlife is encroaching on human habitats.
This urban expansion of wildlife has been documented by conservation officials across the country, with bears being spotted in neighborhoods, parks, and even swimming pools throughout Florida.
The FWC responded to the attack by setting traps and cameras in the area and warning residents to remain vigilant.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid the area,” the FWC said in a statement. “Do not approach or attempt to track wildlife.”
Nugent calls hunting a “moral responsibility”
The Cat Scratch Fever guitarist emphasized that hunting isn’t just a sport but a moral and ecological responsibility.
“I feed my family and neighbors with the animals I harvest, and I donate tons of venison and wild game to homeless shelters,” Nugent said. “It’s about being a conscientious steward of God’s miraculous creation.”
His comments reflect a traditional conservation ethic that views hunting as a vital management tool rather than something to be restricted or eliminated.
As Florida officials continue their investigation into the deadly attack, Nugent’s warnings serve as a sobering reminder of what happens when wildlife management fails to keep predator populations in check.
This rare and tragic incident raises serious questions about whether current conservation policies are adequately protecting public safety.
